This Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken is a tasty treat! The chicken is fried to perfect crispiness and topped with sweet honey and tangy feta. A delightful combo that’s hard to resist!
I love how the honey adds a special sweetness that makes the dish stand out. Every bite is a fun mix of flavors—perfect for impressing friends or enjoying on a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative. Just ensure they’re cooked thoroughly for safety.
Buttermilk: This ingredient helps to tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix one cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They give the chicken a classic crispiness. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs also work, but the texture won’t be as light and airy.
Honey: The sweetness of honey is key. For a unique twist, you could use maple syrup or agave nectar, though flavors will vary slightly.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds tanginess. If you’re not a fan of feta, you could use goat cheese or even queso fresco, which will give a different flavor profile but still work well.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy coating is essential for this dish. Start with the right technique! Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks evenly. The buttermilk marinating step is key—it both tenderizes the meat and helps the coating adhere.
- Set up a breading station: Use separate dishes for the flour mixture and the panko. This keeps your hands cleaner and helps the coating stick better.
- Dredge the chicken well. Cover it completely with flour, then dip in the buttermilk again, and coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing them down slightly to ensure they stick.
- Don’t rush the frying. Make sure the oil is fully heated, or the coating could get soggy. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Let the chicken rest on a wire rack to keep the bottom from getting soggy, allowing air to circulate.
Following these tips will help you serve up a wonderfully crispy chicken dish every time!
Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh cherry tomatoes and greens, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes for cooking, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. So, a total of about 1 hour if you include the marinating time. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy dinner or for impressing guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Slicing is key for the chicken cutlets! Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to make two thinner pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Once sliced, place the cutlets in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this tenderizes the chicken and makes it juicy!
2. Make the Breading Station:
Now let’s get that breading ready! In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). In a second shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and the grated Parmesan cheese—this will give your chicken a deliciously crisp coating!
3. Bread the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour. Next, dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk briefly, and then roll them in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Lightly press to ensure the crumbs stick well!
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. It’s hot enough when a small piece of breadcrumb sizzles when added. Fry each breaded chicken cutlet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (check for an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or some paper towels to drain off excess oil.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low heat. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This warming process helps the flavors meld together nicely. Once warm, take it off the heat and set it aside.
6. Assemble the Dish:
Time to put it all together! Place your crispy fried chicken on a serving plate and generously drizzle the hot honey sauce all over the top. Then, scatter the crumbled feta cheese on top; the heat from the chicken will slightly soften it—delicious!
7. Serve:
For an extra refreshing touch, serve the chicken with fresh cherry tomatoes and a side salad or seasonal greens if you like. Enjoy your Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken right away for the best crunch and flavor!
This recipe brings together a wonderful balance of crispy, spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors that are sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Enjoy your cooking and delicious meal!
FAQ for Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and also work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy or Mild?
You can easily adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe. For a milder version, you can skip the cayenne and reduce the red pepper flakes in the honey sauce. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more!
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just bread and fry it when you’re ready to serve. This can help save time on busy days!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness better than using a microwave!
